Sandow fined, to become anti-violence spokesman

NRL: Former NRL star Chris Sandow has been fined $300 but escaped a conviction over a New Year's Day brawl.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to a public nuisance charge in the Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday and agreed to speak out against violence.

Sandow was captured on video fighting on the street in Cherbourg, Queensland, in defence of his non-blood-related "brother”, who was allegedly threatened by other men the night before.

The former Parramatta and South Sydney halfback avoided a conviction after he agreed to magistrate Andrew Hackett's unorthodox request that he become a community spokesman for conflict resolution in Cherbourg, stating he had the potential to be the next Johnathan Thurston.

"You hold a position in the community of pre-eminence,” Mr Hackett said.

"I think you are a leader, leaders lead. Fighting is not leading.

"Don't just play for yourself. It's what JT (Johnathan Thurston) does.”